October Programs and Events

Adult Programs:

Mah Jongg - Tuesdays at 5 P.M. 
Everyone is welcome at our weekly Mah Jongg group!
Resume Help - Wednesdays at 1 P.M. and 4 P.M.
Whether you need a completely new document or to spice up an existing one, let us help you with your resume!
Our World Remade: The Life, Literature, and Letters of World War I - October 4th at 6:15 P.M.

Our reading group, which focuses on the history, literature, and poetry of World War I, will hold its final session on the first Wednesday of October. Be sure to keep an eye out for future programming of the same sort!
Cards in the Library - Thursdays at 4 P.M.
Every Thursday we play a different card game. The first Thursday of the month is Euchre, the second is Cribbage, the third is Hearts, and the fourth is Dealer's Choice.
Newark Knitting Circle - Thursdays at 6:30 P.M.
If you knit or crochet, come down to the library on Thursday evenings to craft with some fellow knitters and crocheters!
Board Meeting - October 12th at 6:30 P.M.
The monthly meeting of the Newark Public Library's Board of Directors is open to the public. Feel free to stop by if you are interested in the behind the scenes running of the library, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. 
Creative Stroke Painting With Becky Sloane - October 14th at 10:30 A.M. 
Join us for a painting party! This special event will cost $25, and will only be available for the first 16 people. Please feel free to bring a snack to share, if you would like.
Board Game Night - October 16th at 4 P.M.
Whether you're a Scrabble whiz or a Chess master, we have a board game for you! Join our regular group of players to check out our large selection of games.
Beyond the Covers: Book Discussion - October 16th at 6:30 P.M.

This month's book will be The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. This thriller, now a major motion picture, follows a woman named Rachel, who becomes obsessed with another young woman whose house she passes every day on the train.
Cooking Matters Pop-Up Class - October 20th at 5 P.M.
Eating healthy can be both expensive and confusing, but we're here to help! Our pop-up class program can teach you how to make healthy choices on a budget.
Gadget Guide - October 23rd at 6 P.M.
If you have a gadget, device, or tech toy that's giving you trouble, bring it in and see if we can help with it.
Sewing With Laurie - October 25th at 5 P.M.
Just in time for the cold weather, our very own Laurie will teach you how to make yourself a pair of cozy slippers. The cost for this program is $10, which will cover all supplies.

Child and Teen Programs:

Crafty Kids! - October 2nd at 3:30 P.M.
In this fun program, kids age 6+ will read a book, create a craft, and play some games! Younger children are welcome with a caregiver.
Preschool Storytime - Tuesdays at 10 A.M.
Join us for a weekly hour of singing, stories, crafts, and fun!
LEGO Night - October 4th at 6 P.M.
Get creative with the library's large LEGO collection!
Family Storytime - October 11th, 18th, and 25th at 6 P.M.

For three weeks, we will be holding a family storytime with a different theme each week! The first week's theme will be farming, the second week's theme will be pumpkins, and the third week's theme will be Halloween!
Movie Monday - October 16th at 4 P.M.

Watch a movie and have a snack! This month's movie will be Hotel Transylvania, in which Dracula throws a party, inviting legendary monsters, until an uninvited guest shows up.
Maker Monday - October 23rd at 4 P.M.
Each month we will have a new maker craft for kids 6+. Younger children are welcome with a caregiver.

September Programs and Events

Adult Programs:

Mah Jongg - Tuesdays at 5 P.M.
Learn to play Mah Jongg, an addicting Chinese tile game!
Resume Help - Wednesdays at 1 P.M. and 4 P.M.
Need help spicing up your resume, or building an entirely new one from scratch? The library is here to help!
Our World Remade: The Life, Literature, and Letters of World War I - Wednesdays at 6:15 P.M.

This new reading group, led by our very own Celeste, will invite participants to dive into the history, literature, and poetry of World War I. Texts will include historical accounts, novels, short stories, poetry, journals, letters, and more. The group will begin September 6th, and will run until October 4th. Make sure you sign up soon!
Cards in the Library - Thursdays at 4 P.M.
Every Thursday, we host a different card game. The first Thursday of the month is Euchre, the second is Cribbage, the third is Hearts, and the fourth is Dealer's Choice. 
Knitting Circle - Thursdays at 6:30 P.M.

If you knit or crochet, come join our weekly knitting circle!
Financing Your Education - September 11th at 6 P.M.
The New York State Department of Financial Services will present a workshop on how to finance your college education. 
Gadget Guide - September 11th and September 25th at 6 P.M.
Have a gadget or tech toy that's giving you trouble? Bring it to the library, and we'll see if we can get it working for you! 
Board Meeting - September 14th at 6:30 P.M.
The monthly meeting of the library's Board of Directors is open to the public. Feel free to stop by if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the running of the library.
Board Game Night - September 18th at 4 P.M.

The library has a large collection of board games. Join us on a Monday evening to play old classics, like Scrabble, and newer games, like Settlers of Catan!
Painting Wooden Signs with Becky Sloane - September 18th at 6 P.M.
Participants will paint their own wooden signs, which are great to either display around the home or to give away as gifts. The cost of the class is $12, which is a bargain - similar classes can be $45 or more.
Beyond the Covers: Book Discussion - September 18th at 6:30 P.M.

This month's book will be Bettyville by George Hodgman.This memoir tells the story of the author's journey from Manhattan back to his hometown of Missouri, where he is to take care of his aging mother - a witty and willful woman who has never accepted the fact that her son is gay.
Shoulders to Stand On: A History of the LGBT Movement in Rochester - September 25th at 6 P.M.
Rochester has long been at the forefront of various civil rights movements - from abolitionism and civil rights to women's liberation. In 1969, the Stonewall Riots in New York City brought the struggle for LGBT rights to Rochester. This program will use the personal stories of those who were involved in this movement to paint a picture of an overlooked movement throughout the latter half of the last century - a movement that is still going on today.
Cooking Matters Pop-Up - September 29th at 5 P.M.
Eating healthy can seem both expensive and daunting. This program aims to help make healthy choices both easier and more affordable. After the program, participants will receive a reusable shopping bag, a booklet with all the tips and tricks discussed, several delicious low-cost recipes, and other handouts to help. Registration is required, and space is limited, so make sure to sign up soon.  

Child and Teen Programs:

Preschool Storytime - Tuesdays at 10 A.M 
There will be no storytime on September 5th, but we will be back to the regular schedule on September 12th.
LEGO Night - September 6th at 6 P.M.
Exercise your creativity with the library's large and varied collection of LEGO bricks!
Movie Monday - September 11th at 4 P.M.

What happens when you mix LEGOs and Batman? You end up with a movie about the funniest Caped Crusader! Join us for a movie and a snack.
Teen Time - September 13th at 4 P.M.
We will hold the first meeting of our new Teen Advisory Board, where we will discuss programs and events that we can organize for the library teens. Ages 12-18.
Maker Monday - September 18th at 4 P.M.
Every month we will create a new craft for ages 6+! Younger children are also welcome, provided they are accompanied by a caregiver. 
Teen Gaming - September 20th at 4 P.M.

Teens from ages 12-18, come by to play PS4!

August Programs and Events

 Unfortunately, due to unexpected staff shortages, the library will be closed on Saturday, August 5th, as well as Saturday, August 12th. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Adult Programs:

Mah Jongg - Tuesdays at 5 P.M.
We have a dedicated group of people who play this ancient Chinese tile game every week. Newcomers are always welcome.
Resume Help - Wednesdays at 1 P.M. and 4 P.M.
Your resume is one of the most important documents you will create in your working life. Whether you need to create a document from scratch or just work to spice up an existing one, the library is here to help!
Cards in the Library - Thursdays at 4 P.M.
Each week we hold a different card game. The first Thursday of every month is Euchre, the second is Cribbage, the third is Hearts, The fourth is Dealer's Choice, and the fifth is Bunco. 
Wine Bottle Wind Chimes with Becky Sloane - August 7th at 6 P.M.
Patrons will each make a wine bottle wind chime! Cost for the class is $7 cash, and payment will be due at the time of registration. Cancellations must be given with 48 hours notice in order to guarantee a refund of the payment. Make sure you register quickly, as there are only 12 spots available!

 
Portion Distortion - Our Fascination with Super-Sizing - August 9th at 5 P.M.
Do you know how big a portion of food is? Many Americans each larger portion sizes than are recommended, causing them to gain weight. This class will help you learn about proper portion sizes and how to avoid overeating. 

 
FLCAG Grant Seminar - August 10th at 10 A.M.
Finger Lakes Community Arts Group will hold a seminar on grant writing for the upcoming year.
Board Meeting - August 3rd at 6:30 P.M.
The monthly meetings of the Newark Public Library Board of Directors are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend. 
Gadget Guide - August 14th and August 28th at 6 P.M.
Have a gadget, tech toy, or other electronic device that's giving you trouble? Bring it by the library to get some one on one help from Graham, our resident tech wiz.
Americorps Chronic Disease Self-Management Program - August 15th, August 22nd, and August 29th at 10 A.M.
This six week long program will help teach patrons on how to manage chronic diseases at home. The classes will be taught by Americorps volunteers. 
Maker-Lab: Design Your Own Coffee Sleeve - August 18th all day
Decorate a cardboard coffee sleeve to make your own one-of-a-kind piece! This program will be free, and will last all day.

 
Board Game Night - August 21st at 4 P.M.
Come by and play one of the library's large collection of board games.
Beyond the Covers: Book Discussion - August 21st at 6:30 P.M.
August's book club book will be Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This classic anti-slavery novel was published in 1852, and it was the best-selling novel of the 19th century. 

 

Child and Teen Programs:

Kids/Teen Free Lunch - Monday-Thursday, first two weeks of August at 12:30 P.M.
For the first two weeks of August, our free lunch program will continue for our patrons under the age of 18. This is a very popular program, so make sure you arrive on time to get a lunch!
Preschool Storytime - Tuesdays at 10 A.M. 
Every Tuesday, our team of Children's Librarians holds an hour of storytime for preschoolers. Aside from books, this hour may also include crafts, singing, dancing, or food, depending on the week! 
Kids Create - August 2nd and August 9th at 1:30 P.M.
This program will allow kids to create a variety of different projects, crafts, and science experiments.
LEGO Night - August 2nd at 6 P.M.
The library has an impressive collection of LEGO bricks. Come by and see what you can build with them!
Teen Thursday - August 3rd, August 10th, and August 17th at 1:30 P.M.
In this program, which is for kids going into grades 6-12, we will have crafts, games, and other special activities.
Build It! - August 7th and August 14th at 1:30 P.M.
This program will be all about building. It will feature challenges, games, and fun experiments!

 
Chain Reaction Building Workshop - August 16th at 1:30 P.M.
Join Michael Fantauzzo to learn about chain reactions using dominoes, and build your own reaction! 

Employee Spotlight - Peg Pelletier

Q: How long have you worked at Newark Library?

A: 24 years.

Q: What made you interested in working at the library?

A: A passion for lifelong learning.

Q: Tell me one interesting or unusual fact about yourself.

A: I have a degree in Environmental Studies.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not working?

A: I work seven days a week (four of them at NPL), so there isn't a lot of "not working" time, but I like to ride my bike, work on my farm, and read.

Q: What would you do if you didn't work at the library?

A: Go insane.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Nope, there is no favorite book - way too many to choose from. And some not written yet...

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

A: Helping to connect people with information.

Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A recluse.

Q: What fictional character best represents you?

A: People have told me I remind them of Anna Pigeon in the Nevada Barr series, but I don't quite see that...

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A: Africa - the birthplace of humanity.

Q: Pet peeves?

A: Are not worth wasting energy on.

Q: One thing you couldn't live without?

A: Oxygen

Q: If you were a superhero, what would your power be?

A: Invisibility.

Q: What's on your bucket list?

A: To live in the desert in an off-grid house.

Q: What is an ability you wish you had?

A: We all have so many abilities that we don't think we have, but I constantly work on being less hard on myself (usually with little success).

Q: Favorite quote?

A: "If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you." Which is often attributed to Winnie the Pooh, but was actually Christopher Robin.

Employee Spotlight - Julie Howard

 This week's employee spotlight is on Julie. Julie has been working at the library for quite a long time, and is therefore one of the most knowledgeable members of staff. Apart from her duties on the front desk, Julie does many other behind the scenes jobs, such as acquiring and putting out new materials. I asked Julie a few questions to get to know her a little better.

Q: How long have you worked at Newark Library?

A: In October I will be here 17 years.

Q: What made you interested in working at the library?

A: It was a familiar place as I brought all 3 of my children for Story Hour every week.

Q: Tell me one interesting or unusual fact about yourself.

A: My daughter and I watch every Academy Award nominated movie every year before the Academy Awards.

Q: What do you like to do when you're not working?

A: I spend time with my family, read, cross stitch, and watch TV: reality shows (Project Runway, Say Yes to the Dress, Amazing Race, Top Chef) and Game of Thrones.

Q: What would you do if you didn't work at the library?

A: Work with children.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Children's book: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. Adult book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I like reading about the World War II era.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at the library?

A: The patrons and seeing them outside work (Wegmans, church).

Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I only ever wanted to be a mother.

Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

A: My three children (ages 36, 23, 20)

Q: What fictional character best represents you?

A: Marmee (Little Women) as she, the mother, was the glue that held the family together and Charlotte (Charlotte's Web) as she cared so deeply for others.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

A: Ireland!

Q: Favorite song at the moment/favorite band?

A: I like top 40 (Bruno Mars, Adele), and I love musicals. Also, I really like 70s music (Journey, America, Foreigner, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac), and disco music!

Q: Pet peeves?

A: Having the toilet tissue roll not replaced, cabinet doors left open, and having a car pull out in front of me and make the very next turn.

Q: One thing you couldn't live without?

A: Family and chocolate!

Q: If you were a superhero, what would your power be?

A: See into the future.

Q: Who would play you in a movie?

A: I love anything Meryl Streep is in, but it wouldn't be a very exciting film as I lead a very "normal" life.

Q: What's on your bucket list?

A: Visit Ireland (research family history).

Q: What is an ability you wish you had?

A: To think fast on my feet.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: "May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
-Traditional Gaelic blessing.